Filly Island
Honouring its history, Filly Island is the perfect romantic retreat for two. This truly unique stay dates back to the 1700s and remains steeped in history throughout with its idyllic style and ambience. The elegant interiors make use of one-of-a-kind materials, giving the space both character and undeniable charm. Enjoy an evening together by the fire before retiring to your cosy bedroom, or savour a morning coffee in the front terrace, surrounded by the soothing sound of flowing water. South Cerney is a picturesque village set beside the River Churn. With peaceful riverside scenery and easy access to the surrounding Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney is the perfect base for walking and exploring. Just a few miles away, Cirencester offers a wider selection of shops, attractions and cultural experiences in the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’.
Overview
Filly Island is a truly romantic place to relax, set within the tranquil village of South Cerney. Accessed via a humpback bridge over the River Churn, with the serene sounds of the flowing river, this enchanting location feels like stepping back in time. Curated for minimoons, romantic escapes and anniversaries, this boutique home is the perfect setting to reconnect.
The bijou interior is filled with original, character-rich furniture and décor that champions the enduring history of the building. From the ceiling lights to the bedside tables, everything has a story. Spend your evenings on the sofa in front of the log burner watching television or switch off and enjoy a game of Scrabble. The kitchen welcomes slow morning breakfasts and hearty evening meals; with all the facilities and equipment you need to make yourself at home. The table, which was once an antique sewing table, seats two and provides the perfect spot to experience meals together. The king size bedroom offers a peaceful place to appreciate a lie in, gazing out of the window at a view that looks straight from a vintage postcard. The rustic sliding door leads to the en-suite bathroom, where you can treat yourself to a long, relaxing bubble bath after a day of exploring.
Outside, sit at the bistro table with a cup of tea or a glass of wine and take in the sounds of birdsong and flowing water. Take a stroll through the idyllic countryside of South Cerney, or enjoy a trip to the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’ and discover all that Cirencester has to offer.
Ground Floor:
Open Plan Living/Kitchen/Dining Area:
Enter through the French doors into the open plan living area. Exposed beams and a corrugated iron feature wall form the main architectural features of the space, giving a clear sense of the building’s character. These elements contribute to a welcoming first impression while maintaining a practical, homely layout. Immediately on the right is a burnt orange two-seater sofa, positioned to face the television and a small cast iron log burner. A comfortable armchair is arranged opposite the sofa, creating a seating area suited to conversation and relaxation. As you move towards the kitchen, on the left is an antique table that seats two, curated from a former sewing table and used as a dedicated dining area. This provides a practical space for breakfast or dinner. To the right, the kitchen is set neatly into the corner and is equipped with an oven, hob, fridge with freezer, coffee machine, Belfast sink and kettle.
Bedroom One:
A king size bed is positioned on the right side of the bedroom, set just below the window. This placement allows natural light into the room and provides a view across the village in the morning. The bedroom is furnished with bespoke-wooden bedside tables and lamps, along with a chest of drawers to provide storage throughout your stay.
Bathroom:
Set behind a sliding door within the bedroom, the bathroom is fitted with a WC, basin, bath, rainfall shower and handheld shower. Although located just off the bedroom, a handmade Roman blind fitted to the door ensures privacy throughout your stay.
Outside:
Filly Island offers an unforgettable experience for each guest, with the outside area forming a notable feature of the property. A two-seater bistro table is positioned just outside the front door, providing a charming space for sitting outdoors. The area is set beside the River Churn and within the lanes of South Cerney, allowing guests to appreciate the immediate surroundings in a quiet setting.Facilities
Indoor
Bedroom One - King-size
1 Bathroom - WC, Hand Basin, Bath, Rainfall Shower, Handheld Shower
Hairdryer
Fire - Logs Provided For Initial Fire 01 Oct To 31 March
Oven
Hob
Kettle
Fridge
Freezer
Coffee Machine - KRU Cafe Opal Pods
Dishwasher
Dining Table - Seats 2
Washing Machine
Iron
WiFi *Please Note That Speeds Are For Guidance Only And Are Not Guaranteed - 50-99 Mbps
TV - Smart
Board Games
Outdoor
Dog Friendly - 2 Well-behaved Dogs Welcome For An Additional Fee
Garden - Open To River
Outdoor Dining Area
BBQ - Please Provide Your Own Charcoal
Parking - Off-road Parking For 1 Car
On your Doorstep
The Gilbertine Deli in Cirencester (4.2 miles) is a hub of local foods that will make this trip a memorable one for your taste buds. Try their selection of fresh sandwiches or their famous stuffed cookies. Spend some time browsing in French Grey Interiors (4.3 miles), which sells a gorgeous selection of jewellery, gifts, and home accessories.
Eating Out:
- The Eliot Arms, South Cerney – This traditional pub with cosy bar has a menu packed with quality, fresh local produce and homemade dishes. (270 yd)
- Pennycress Café – This stylish café cooks with seasonal, local ingredients and proudly stocks local produce from Cacklebean Eggs to Moos on Thames organic milk. (300 yd)
- Lynwood & Co – Awarded Best Coffee Shop of the Year 2016 at the Cotswold Life Food & Drink Awards and featured in The Guardian in 2017. (4 miles)
- La Bobina – A lively tapas and wine bar on Black Jack Street in Cirencester, offering Spanish and local produce alongside a deli, wine room, and a popular wine tasting machine. (4.2 miles)
Walks: Follow the walk from Bow Wow to Bullrushes. This circular route returns to Bow Wow and is approximately 5.5km long, taking you past lakes, charming cottages, and tree-lined lanes. Alternatively, opt for the Cleveland Circuit, a 6km circular route around several lakes, including the Cleveland Lakes Nature Reserve, which is renowned for its birdlife. For a longer adventure, stretch your legs on the Three Villages Walk, a 14km route linking Ashton Keynes, Somerford Keynes, and South Cerney.
Places to Visit:
- Lakeside Ski & Wake - From beginners to experts, they offer wakeboard and waterski lessons along with inflatable rides. (1.2 miles)
- Cotswold Water Park – A landscape of 180 lakes, rich wetlands, and extraordinary wildlife, including more than 20,000 birds in winter. (3.3 miles)
- Cotswold Sculpture Park - A unique outdoor gallery that celebrates artistic talent from around the world. (3.5 miles)
- The Barn Theatre, Cirencester - Watch a show at an award-winning theatre in Cirencester. (3.6 miles)
- Corinium Museum– Visit this museum of archaeology, social, and rural history, home to one of Britain’s most extensive collections. (4.2 miles)
Travel:
- Train - Kemble railway station (4.7 miles) has a frequent and direct service to London Paddington.
- Taxis - South Cerney Taxis, First Taxi Cirencester
Points of Note
This property has a check-in time of 15:00 and a check-out time of 10:00
- Book with us to get exclusive discounts to top attractions and experiences.
- Please note there is moving water on either side of the property, including around the parking areas.
- Filly Island is an adult only property.
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Handpicked by us
Why we love this
Wherever possible, everything at Filly Island has been beautifully curated to form a truly romantic retreat. A book within the property shares the story behind the décor and furniture, offering insight into their origins before they found their home at Filly Island.
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The Location
South Cerney is a beautiful village set beside the River Churn, within the heart of the Cotswold Lakes. Winding lanes lined with honey toned cottages invite gentle walks, while a selection of cafés and traditional pubs offers welcoming places to pause and relax. With peaceful riverside scenery and easy access to the surrounding Cotswold countryside, South Cerney is an ideal base for walking and exploring. Just a few miles away, Cirencester provides a wider choice of shops, attractions and cultural experiences in the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’.
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Read our reviews
This was a beautiful little slice of peaceful heaven. It was quiet and serene and only a two or three minute walk from the pub or the Co-op. There were moorhens and an egret in the stream and the world stopped for just a short while when I stayed here.
Elizabeth
Good little cottage, in an excellent location to use as a base to explore the Cotswolds.
The housekeeper, Michelle, was very responsive and helped with an earlier check in and recommendations.
3 good pubs close by.
Cottage struggled in the heat, and become very hot so luckily we were advised to bring our own fan which helped.
Joe
Great weekend away with the dogs
Very picturesque, quiet and unique place to stay. Personal touches were everywhere and it felt very homely. The bed was the comfiest I've experienced in an accommodation in a long time, slept really well! The shower, hot water, appliances everything worked as they should and didn't have to worry about any of it. Would stay there again and would recommend!
Alexander
We loved our stay at Filly Island. The cottage itself and the surroundings are absolutely gorgeous and so peaceful. The cottage is compact and very well appointed and has everything you need. The village is lovely and has pubs, a cafe, and a co op within walking distance. The information folder in the cottage is extremely informative and guided us on some lovely walks. The owner of the cottage was very responsive and helpful whenever we had questions.
Lucinda
Create Memories
Experiences designed to make your stay unforgettable
We have curated not only a portfolio of properties, but also a portfolio of experiences we recommend everyone try the next time they visit the Cotswolds and surrounding counties. This selection of ours is constantly growing as we discover more hidden gems and local stars. Many of the experiences are incredibly popular, and we encourage booking in advance because these little extras can turn your everyday holiday into a fantastic, fond memory, one you aren’t soon to forget.
